Last season, Northampton’s offense tended to take center stage with their overall 12-1 record. For the season, the Konkrete Kids scored 549 total points.

Yet, their defense was equally impressive and maybe even more, as they allowed only 119 points, a stingy 9.1 per game.

With their 31-0 shutout of Stroudsburg last Friday, the Kids raised their record to 2-1 with two consecutive offensive showcases, but they also painted a defensive masterpiece.

The Kids limited the Mountaineers to 44 total yards and two first downs. Stroudsburg had 22 yards rushing on 17 carries (average of 1.29 yards per carry), and 28 yards passing.

A game that was anticipated to be a battle for the East Penn Conference (EPC) North crown turned out to be a complete, 31-0 blowout. This was a game that was initially to be played Thursday, but moved to Saturday afternoon due to storms.

“The kids handled the adversity with schedule changes well,” said head coach John Toman. “We also handled the extreme heat and humidity well. We learned a lot from the Allentown Central Catholic game, and we were able to constantly sub kids in and out to keep them hydrated.

“We played a complete game in all phases. The defense was stellar, and the offense was efficient against a team that typically plays us tough. Specials were solid.

“We played physical.”

Senior running back Caden Henritzy, who rushed for 57 yards with a touchdown, believes the victory can be a jump start to the remainder of the season.

“This game was huge,” he beamed. “I really think this game is going to help us get rolling. We shut them out and held them to two first downs. Our defense played great. It is a short week since we played on Saturday, but we will be all right.”

The Kids will be home Friday night against Dieruff, who will enter Lou Wolf Field with a 0-3 mark. The Huskies are coming off a 49-14 loss to Pocono Mountain West.

Still, Toman isn’t taking them lightly.

“They have a quality quarterback who can throw the football,” said Toman. “Everything goes through him. Defensively, they try to create chaos and blitz a ton.

“But it’s a double-edged sword because they blow coverages or create running seams because of their blitzing.”

“We’re excited to be playing at home Friday night,” added Henritzy. “Dieruff has some guys who can make plays. We have to be ready for them.”

PREDICTION (Overall record 2-1): Over their past two games, the Kids have blanked their opponents by a combined 75-0 score ... Kids’ quarterback A.J. Slivka threw for 51 yards and ran for 57. He scored two rushing touchdowns. Reserve running back Billy Stuhldreher ran for a team-high 58 yards ... Corner Tristen Pinnock returned an interception for a touchdown, and kicker Aaron Gutkowski booted a 32-yard field goal ... Over the previous two years, Northampton has posted a 48-16 and 48-7 victories ... Dieruff played Liberty tough in its opening 14-0 loss, but they have sagged the last two games ... After Dieruff, the Kids will have another key showdown with East Stroudsburg South ... This is the perfect tablesetter for the Kids, as this could be the first of five-straight wins ... Kids look like they are getting into a groove, and this should be an early night ... Kids’ fans will be able to still see part of the Phillies’ game before they get home ... Coach Ronalds, mark me down for a Doughboys’ cheesesteak with a Greek salad. Let’s go for the score trifecta here ... K-KIDS, 48-0.